Frank Turner in Winnipeg

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Frank Turner in Winnipeg

On September 8th, Winnipeg’s Burton Cummings Theatre came alive with the raw energy of Frank Turner and his band, The Sleeping Souls. Opening acts Bridge City Sinners and Bedouin Soundclash added their own unique flair, making the night a diverse blend of folk-punk, ska, and gypsy-jazz. It was a memorable experience that had the crowd at the historic theatre buzzing long after the last note was played.

Bridge City Sinners

The night kicked off with a performance from Portland-based folk-punk outfit Bridge City Sinners. Known for their dark, gothic imagery and blend of folk, jazz, and punk, they immediately captured the attention of the early arrivals. As the curtains rose and the eerie sounds of the fiddle and banjo began to fill the room, it was clear that this was not going to be an ordinary opening act.

Lead vocalist Libby Lux commanded the stage with a voice that shifted between hauntingly beautiful and ferociously intense. Dressed in her trademark black, Lux was the perfect embodiment of the band’s dark, cabaret-like energy. Songs like “Ashes” and “Unholy Hymns” were punctuated by the frenetic banjo work of Lightnin’ Luke, while the upright bass provided a steady, ominous thrum. The band’s unique fusion of old-timey instruments with punk sensibilities made their performance a captivating spectacle. They’re not your typical folk band, and their set was more than just music; it was a theatrical experience. The eerie undertones of songs like “The Devil Swing” sent chills through the crowd, contrasting with more upbeat tracks like “Song of the Siren,” which had the audience dancing in their seats. Bridge City Sinners left the stage with the crowd both energized and slightly unsettled—a perfect setup for what was to come. Their ability to draw the audience into their dark, macabre world was an ideal way to start the evening on a high note.

Bedouin Soundclash

Next up was Bedouin Soundclash, a band that has been pushing boundaries since their inception with their fusion of reggae, ska, and punk rock. The Canadian trio’s sound brought an entirely different vibe to the Burton Cummings Theatre, offering a rhythmic escape that balanced perfectly between upbeat and laid-back

Jay Malinowski’s smooth vocals paired effortlessly with the deep bass lines and groovy drumming from Eon Sinclair, creating an infectious energy. Winnipeg, known for its long winters, seemed to embrace the warmth and positivity radiating from the stage. The highlight of Bedouin Soundclash’s set was the new material from their latest album, Mass. Tracks like “Clockwork” and “Born Into Bad Times” showed a band still very much in their creative prime, blending soulful lyrics with reggae-infused rhythms. Their ability to mix genres effortlessly kept the audience engaged, offering a dynamic performance that felt both refreshing and nostalgic.

The interplay between Malinowski and Sinclair was magnetic. Sinclair’s bass grooves provided a strong backbone for the set, while Malinowski’s guitar and vocals added a layer of emotional depth. Their sound, while mellow, had an underlying intensity that resonated deeply with the audience.

Frank Turner

The moment Frank Turner took the stage, the atmosphere inside the Burton Cummings Theatre shifted from anticipation to electric excitement. Backed by his band, The Sleeping Souls, Turner exploded onto the stage with “Four Simple Words,” a high-energy anthem that set the tone for the rest of the night.

Turner, a British folk-punk icon, has always had a knack for connecting with his audience on a deeply personal level, and his Winnipeg performance was no exception. His setlist was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and newer tracks from his latest album, FTHC, keeping both longtime fans and newcomers fully engaged.

His passion was palpable, and it was clear that every word meant something to him. Between songs, Turner’s banter with the audience was light-hearted and charming, further endearing himself to the Winnipeg crowd. He shared stories of his travels, his inspirations, and even his love for Canada—earning loud cheers from the locals.

The Sleeping Souls, Turner’s backing band, were tight and energetic throughout the set. The chemistry between Turner and his band was undeniable, with each member playing a crucial role in creating the show’s infectious energy. As the night drew to a close, Turner left the audience with one final burst of energy. The crowd, by this point, was fully immersed in the performance, dancing and singing along with abandon. Turner’s ability to keep the energy level high, even at the end of the night, was a testament to his endurance and passion as a live performer.

Frank Turner’s September 8th show at Winnipeg’s Burton Cummings Theatre was a masterclass in live performance. From the dark theatrics of Bridge City Sinners to the rhythmic escapism of Bedouin Soundclash, the night was a journey through different genres and emotions, all culminating in Turner’s passionate and electrifying headlining set. The audience, a diverse mix of punk rockers, folk fans, and everything in between, was treated to a night of music that celebrated individuality, connection, and the power of live performance. Turner’s ability to connect with his audience, both through his music and his personality, made the night feel intimate despite the grandeur of the venue. As the crowd spilled out into the cool September night, there was a shared sense of joy and fulfillment in the air. It was clear that Frank Turner and his supporting acts had left a lasting impression on Winnipeg, one that would be remembered for years to come.

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